build
6 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of BUILD
1
:
to make (something) by putting together parts or materials
[+ object]
-
The house is built (out) of brick/logs.
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The bridge was built in the 1890s.
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The planes were built in Germany.
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The organization helps build houses for poor families.
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building more powerful machines/computers/weapons
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A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.
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She started building a fire in the fireplace.
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He built a model airplane from a kit.
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He built a dollhouse for the children. = He built the children a dollhouse.
[no object]
-
You will need permission to build on your property.
2
[+ object]
:
to develop or form (something) gradually
— often + up
—
see also build up (below)
-
I've started building a collection of rare books. [=I've started collecting rare books]
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They built the organization from scratch. = They built the organization from the ground/bottom up.
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They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.
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scientists building theories about how the universe began
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At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.
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She built a successful career in advertising.
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He has built a reputation as a talented artist.
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building a more peaceful world [=making the world more peaceful]
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Building up a successful business can take many years.
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She has built up a large collection of awards.
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We've been building up a savings account.
3
[+ object]
:
to increase the amount of (something)
— often + up
—
see also build up (below)
-
Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength.
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These programs are designed to help build confidence in young women.
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The advertisements are aimed at building support for political candidates.
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They thought the army would build character in their son. [=would make their son become a better person]
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She runs a little farther every day to build up (her) endurance.
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building up momentum/stamina/energy
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He's been trying to build up the courage/confidence to talk to her.
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These exercises will help you build up your strength.
4
[no object]
:
to grow or increase to a high point, level, number, etc.
— often + up
—
see also build up (below)
-
The excitement was beginning to build before the game.
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A crowd was building around the accident.
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The story slowly builds to a climax. [=the story slowly reaches a climax]
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Chemicals in the lake are building to dangerous levels.
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As the water temperature rises, the pressure inside the pot begins to build up.
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Their passion/anger/fear/hatred has been building up for years.
build around
[phrasal verb]
build (something) around (something)
:
to develop or organize (something) by using (something, such as an idea) as its main or central part
-
We built our program around the idea that people need love and support.
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Their lives are built around their children. [=their children are the most important things in their lives]
-
The textbook builds lessons around grammar topics.
build in/into
[phrasal verb]
build in (something)
or
build (something) in
or
build (something) in/into (something)
:
to make (something) a part of (something else)
—
see also built-in
-
Carmakers are beginning to build in these new safety features as standard equipment. = Carmakers are building these new safety features into new cars as standard equipment.
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We've built bookshelves into the wall.
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These ideas are built into the program/system/design.
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There are special provisions for bonuses built into the contract.
build on/upon
[phrasal verb]
1
build on/upon (something)
:
to use (something that has been done in the past) as a basis for further work, development, etc.
-
Each president builds on/upon the success of each past president.
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These classes will help students build on what they already know.
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building upon past experiences/successes
2
build (something) on/upon (something)
:
to develop or create (something) by using (something else) as its basis
-
He built [=based] his theory on recent studies.
-
She has built her reputation as a talented artist on the strength of her earlier paintings.
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Their theory is built upon her research.
build onto
[phrasal verb]
build onto (something)
or
build (something) onto (something)
:
to add (a new room) to a structure that already exists
-
They built a new garage onto their house.
-
They built onto their house.
build up
[phrasal verb]
1
:
to increase gradually in amount as time passes
:
accumulate
-
They pick up the garbage that builds up [=collects] along the highway.
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Dust has begun building up on his piano.
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These dangerous chemicals are building up in our lakes and ponds.
2
build (something or someone) up
or
build up (something or someone)
:
to say many good things about (something or someone)
—
see also 1build 2, 3, 4 (above), buildup
-
Political candidates are trying to build themselves up [=promote themselves] with public speeches and TV commercials.
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The movie was built up so much [=we heard so many good things about the movie] that we were disappointed when we actually saw it.
2
build
/ˈbɪld/
noun
plural
builds
2
build
/ˈbɪld/
noun
plural
builds
Britannica Dictionary definition of BUILD
:
the shape and size of a person's body
[count]
-
people with thin/slender/slight builds
-
He has a strong, muscular build. [=physique]
[noncount]
-
He is strong and muscular in build.
-
a man of average build
